King James Version
What Does 1 Corinthians 12:24 Mean?
“For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked:”
1 Corinthians 12:24 · KJV
Context
22
Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary:
23
And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness. bestow: or, put on
24
For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked:
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That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another. schism: or, division
26
And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryFor our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together—Ta gar euschēmona hēmōn ou chreian echei ("our presentable parts have no need")—hands, face, eyes need no extra covering or honor; they're naturally presentable. God's design compensates: prominent members need less care; hidden members need more. God hath tempered the body together (ho theos synekerasen to sōma)—synekerasen (from synkerannymi) means "mixed together, blended, composed" like ingredients in a recipe. God is the divine chef who blended diverse members into one harmonious organism.
Having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked—God's intentional design compensates for deficiency, ensuring no member is neglected or devalued. The Creator's wisdom balances the body so weaker/hidden/uncomely parts receive honor offsetting their apparent disadvantages. This reflects the gospel: God exalts the humble, gives grace to the lowly, chooses the weak to shame the strong (1 Cor 1:27-29). Church leadership must imitate God's compensatory honor-giving, protecting and elevating vulnerable members.
Having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked—God's intentional design compensates for deficiency, ensuring no member is neglected or devalued. The Creator's wisdom balances the body so weaker/hidden/uncomely parts receive honor offsetting their apparent disadvantages. This reflects the gospel: God exalts the humble, gives grace to the lowly, chooses the weak to shame the strong (1 Cor 1:27-29). Church leadership must imitate God's compensatory honor-giving, protecting and elevating vulnerable members.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
God's value-inversion challenged Roman patronage systems where benefactors bestowed honor on wealthy clients capable of reciprocation, ignoring the poor who could give nothing back. Paul insists God's economy honors precisely those who lack honor in worldly systems.
Reflection Questions
- How does God's 'tempering' (blending) the body ensure every member receives appropriate honor?
- What practices can churches adopt to give 'abundant honor' to those who 'lack' social status?
- How does this verse inform how church budgets, platforms, and decision-making include marginalized voices?
Original Language Analysis
Greek · 18 wordsχρείαν6 of 18
“need”
G5532employment, i.e., an affair; also (by implication) occasion, demand, requirement or destitution
ἔχει7 of 18
“parts have”
G2192to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
θεὸς10 of 18
“God”
G2316a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
σῶμα13 of 18
“the body”
G4983the body (as a sound whole), used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively
ὑστεροῦντι15 of 18
“to that part which lacked”
G5302to be later, i.e., (by implication) to be inferior; generally, to fall short (be deficient)
περισσοτέραν16 of 18
G4053superabundant (in quantity) or superior (in quality); by implication, excessive; adverbially (with g1537) violently; neuter (as noun) preeminence
δοὺς17 of 18
“having given”
G1325to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
τιμήν18 of 18
“honour”
G5092a value, i.e., money paid, or (concretely and collectively) valuables; by analogy, esteem (especially of the highest degree), or the dignity itself
Study Guide
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of 1 Corinthians. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
1 Corinthians 12:24 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Cross-References
Verses related to 1 Corinthians 12:24 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge